In collaboration with Day Lewis I'm taking a deep dive into the ways we give and receive love, as well as what works for us and what doesn't work so much. After all, as humans we're all so very different. And the way we show love to one another can be very different too. The way we show love can be broken down into five love languages - words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time and physical touch. With Day Lewis's latest campaign in mind let's go through each love language, explain them a little further and discover the 5 best compatible languages. If you're questioning what is your love language, you can find out by taking Day Lewis's love language test and matchmaker quiz.

The Five Love Languages

You may or may not know, but the five love languages originally came from a book written by Dr Gary Chapman, titled The 5 Love Languages: The Secret To Love That Lasts. You might be drawn to just one of the five love languages or perhaps a mix of several. Read on for an exploration of each and discover what is your love language.

What Is Your Love Language

Words of affirmation

Contrary to other love languages, words of affirmation serve as direct expressions of your appreciation for your partner. For individuals who prioritise this language of love, consistent reminders of their significance hold incredible value. Expressions can be verbal or written, with even a brief note containing a compliment or words of encouragement making a significant impact. Furthermore, actively listening and reciprocating when they affirm you is crucial, as it signifies their method of conveying affection.

Acts of service

With acts of service, actions speak louder than words. If your partner’s love language revolves around acts of service, they'll treasure the small gestures you extend to them. This means undertaking chores they find tedious, like tackling the laundry or preparing dinner. It also means thoughtful actions that demonstrate your care, such as preparing their morning coffee or securing tickets to a movie they've been eager to watch.

Receiving gifts

The exchange of gifts can quite often be misconstrued. It's rooted in sentimentality rather than materialism. Presenting gifts to your partner conveys that you hold them in your thoughts and is likely to hold sentimental value for them. The significance of the gift lies not in its size or expense, but rather in the meaning behind it. Whether it's grabbing their favorite snack from the store or acquiring a book they've been longing to read, it's the thoughtfulness that truly shines through.

Quality time

For those whose love language centers around quality time, prioritising meaningful moments together is paramount. It's crucial to devote undivided attention to each other, setting aside distractions like phones or work-related duties. Quality, rather than quantity, defines the essence of this time, underscoring the significance of being fully engaged, even during brief interactions. Intentional scheduling of shared activities, whether it's exploring a new eatery or organising a beach excursion, further reinforces the bond between partners.

Physical touch

While physical touch often includes sexual intimacy, it encompasses far more within relationships. For individuals whose love language centers on physical closeness, the value lies in the smaller gestures: a warm embrace, clasped hands, or simply sharing physical space together. These tender moments hold significant importance in nurturing the bond between partners.

What is My Love Language

I took the love language quiz on the Day Lewis website and whilst there were elements of two other love languages, the one most prominent for me was acts of service. I wasn't surprised by this after reading the descriptions. After all, I'm a self employed mum with two small children, I appreciate all the acts of service I can get!

[Photos by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash]

The 5 Best Compatible Love Languages

Ideally, yours and your partner's love languages will compliment each other so affection and communication can flow freely in your relationship. While any match up can be successful, these may be the love language pairings that are most compatible.

  • Quality time and physical touch.
  • Physical touch and acts of service
  • Quality time and words of affirmation.
  • Acts of service and words of affirmation
  • Receiving gifts and acts of service

Quality Time and Physical Touch

Quality time and physical touch, when combined, form a powerful duo in expressing affection and desire. The longing for physical closeness meets the need for shared, meaningful moments. This synergy often builds deep intimacy and passion within the relationship. Transforming quality time into intimate moments benefits both partners, enhancing their bond and potential for growth.

Physical Touch and Acts of Service

The blend of physical touch and acts of service creates a warm and fulfilling dynamic. In this pairing, physical attention embodies the essence of service, benefiting both partners. Overlapping these love languages allows for intuitive expression of emotions and meaningful exchanges of affection. With mutual engagement, this combination ensures an equitable exchange of love, preventing anyone from feeling neglected or undervalued.

Quality Time and Words of Affirmation

The quality time love language harmonises seamlessly with words of affirmation. By prioritising meaningful time together, it builds deeper dialogue and shared admiration. Engaging in activities that encourage conversation fulfills both partners, nurturing their connection and satisfying the need for affirmation.

Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation

When a person shows their love with acts of service, it's generally with the intent to make their significant other's life easier or more pleasant. Hearing a thank you from a words-of-affirmation partner can signal that they are making a positive impact, show that their efforts are appreciated, and provide a fulfilling bit of confirmation that their love is being received.

Receiving Gifts and Physical Touch

Acts of service and receiving gifts form a highly compatible pair among love languages. Receiving gifts transcends materialism, emphasizing the sentiment and thoughtfulness behind the gesture, aligning well with the values of acts of service. Whether offering tangible gifts or providing assistance through acts of service, both involve giving a part of oneself and one's time to the partner. Tasks like doing dishes, washing the car, presenting flowers, or assisting with groceries all serve as meaningful expressions of care.

To CONCLUDE

No matter your love language, most pairings can work just fine together. The key is to open up a conversation and seek out how your partner prefers to be loved. By working on creative ways to show you care, you can keep your love life fresh and exciting.

What is your love language?

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2 comments

  • Lucy says:

    I want to take that Love Language test to see what mine is! x

    Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk

    Reply
  • Rosie Beech says:

    We did a love language test when we first got together and even tho it felt a bit silly it was bang on. It still helps us to shape how we treat each other - when times are good and when we need to rewire. And that's 12 years later!
    Rosie

    Reply

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